Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction

Former social worker Trimpey, who drank heavily for 20 years, was not favorably impressed with the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings he attended because of their group orientation and what he took to be the religious precepts in AA's Big Book. Several years later Trimpey quit drinking completely, not by admitting that he was "powerless over alcohol," as per AA, but by taking responsibility for his actions and control of his behavior. He then wrote The Small Book (Delacorte, 1992). His technique requires participants to give up what he terms AA's dependent thinking, relinquish the idea that they have an incurable disease, and seize control. Addictive behavior is not limited to alcohol, so drug dependence is included, as well as a separate chapter on gambling. Trimpey's program may work well for readers ready to assume full personal responsibility for their recovery. The practical instructions outlined can be used independently of group meetings or with Rational Recovery groups that now meet throughout the United States. A desirable purchase for public libraries, this is an essential purchase for specialized health and recovery collections.?Catherine T. Charvat, John Marshall Lib., Alexandria, Va.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

More than a philosophy or therapy - and not dependent on spiritual beliefs or psychology - Rational Recovery offers an unprecedented approach to alcoholism, problem drinking, and drug addiction known as the Addictive Voice Recognition Technique, or AVRT. Now, for the first time, the keys to this proven recovery process are available in a practical, user-friendly instructional guide. AVRT is an aggressive self-recovery program that shows you exactly how to take control of your addictive behavior now - and how to recover totally through planned abstinence. Rational Recovery refutes the concept of alcoholism as a disease and brings new hope to those who have been discouraged by traditional approaches to addiction. You will learn that within each substance abuser hides a "Beast" that craves its addiction. By following the simple logic of AVRT and putting into practice what you learn, you can defeat your Beast and remain sober - effortlessly - for the rest of your life.

Jack Trimpey, a California-based licensed social worker, founded Rational Recovery Systems, Inc. in 1986.